Peri-operative arrhythmias: diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT

Arrhythmias are common during the perioperative period. These abnormal rhythms can alter the hemodynamics by reducing cardiac output and may contribute to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and identification of correctable causes is essential for appropriate management of arrhythmias. Some of these arrhythmias are benign requiring no intervention, while others may need urgent therapeutic intervention. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in the perioperative setting: